Emerging Technology Conference

George Dyson, technology historian, presents a talk on scientist John Von Neumann's life as he was developing the foundations of computing at Princeton University. [ETech 2005 audio fromIT Conversations]

The Networked Objects course at NYU asks students to consider network applications as connections between physical objects that generate and react to network messages. Tom Igoe describes the methods and tools used in the class, the projects it has inspired, and its impact on real-world applications. [ETech 2005 audio from IT Conversations]

Imagine a future where personal fabricators promise the ability to make
almost anything. Neil Gershenfeld, Director of MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms, explains how personal fabricators promise to revolutionize our world as PCs did a generation ago by enabling us to design and make the tools
and products we want in our own homes. A panel of experts then considers the implications of personal fabrication and the role of the workshop innovator and "hands on design" in modern science and engineering. [ETech audio from IT Conversations]

What is remixing? Is there a difference between hacking and remixing? Why is either concept important? In his keynote address at the 2005 O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference, Rael Dorfest, CTO of O'Reilly Media, answers these questions through an examination of the potential impact that the "remix culture" can have on business, innovation, the Internet, and the customer interaction.

We launch our coverage of the O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference with another brilliant presentation by Clay Shirky. This one's entitled, "Ontology is Overrated: Links, Tags, and Post-hoc Metadata." [ETech audio from IT Conversations]

Mobile robots are an emerging technology field, and iRobot Corporation of Burlington MA is leading the way. iRobot's products are not far-flung, far-off science fiction, but robots for the real world. They are practical, reliable, innovative products that effectively answer users needs with creative engineering and design.

[Full title: Emotional Design: The Principles] Don Norman used to be known as a critic of unusable things but now, he says, he has changed. He has transformed himself into an advocate for pleasurable, enjoyable products. Beauty is good, says Norman. Successful products should a pleasure to use, and convey a positive sense of self, of accomplishment, and pride of ownership.

This talk demonstrates several technologies and concepts that show promise as ways to enhance online communities, making them easier to discover and making it easier to select high-quality content, evaluate that content, and motivate others to contribute significant value. In short, these tools may catalyze collective action by highlighting participants' histories and relationships.